T
Thomas C.
Guide
GuideThousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Amazing campground
Very scenic campground along a river 15 minutes from Yosemite national park
Camping near Avery, CA
310 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Sierra Nevada foothills surrounding Avery, California feature a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities. Calaveras Big Trees State Park's North Grove Campground provides established sites amid towering sequoias, while Top of Arnold offers primitive dispersed camping along Forest Road 5N56. Several locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with select properties like Angels Camp Campground and Pinecrest Campground also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in this mountainous region, with most campgrounds operating from late spring through early fall. Dispersed sites at higher elevations typically become accessible after snow melts, usually by May, and remain open until the first significant snowfall in October or November. Road conditions vary significantly—Forest Service roads leading to dispersed sites often feature ruts and potholes that challenge low-clearance vehicles. Most established campgrounds provide drinking water and toilet facilities, while dispersed areas require campers to pack in water and pack out waste. According to one visitor at Top of Arnold, "The dirt road up is full of ruts and potholes, but my Toyota Yaris made it up. Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long."
Stanislaus National Forest lands surrounding Avery provide the backdrop for many camping experiences, with elevation changes creating distinct microclimates and vegetation zones. Campgrounds near water features like the Stanislaus River attract families seeking swimming opportunities during summer months. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting encounters with deer and occasionally bears. Several visitors mentioned the impressive sequoia groves as highlights of their camping experience. A camper noted of Calaveras Big Trees State Park: "Beautiful site, hiking trails close by, well maintained grounds. Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off." Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage at lower elevations near towns and limited or no service in more remote forest locations.
Best Campgrounds near Avery (310)
1. North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
"I think this is my favorite California State Park. It is situated in the Calaveras Big Trees Giant Sequoia Grove."
"Pros - you are in the middle of the Sequoias, near hiking, kayaking, etc. Beautiful river nearby; pretty easy in and out for small-ish RVs. Hard to beat the location."
from $25 - $70 / night
Check Availability2. Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
"A very secluded primitive site that is only a couple miles or less to town over paved and dirt roads. The roads are not four-wheel drive and are perfect for van lifers."
"Be sure to obtain a fire permit from Cal fire and check fire restrictions in the area have a bucket full of water and a shovel next to your fire at all times again this place was amazing"
3. Waka Lu Hep Yo — Stanislaus National Forest
"A short walk down to the edge of the Stanislaus River and you won't want to leave. Very family friendly."
"This hidden gem has a great lay out with tent only sites up front and spots for RVs and tents around the loop in the back - all sites have tables and fire rings are fairly close to several pit toilets"
from $35 / night
Check Availability4. Acorn Campground
"A good clean campground, popular in central California. Reasonably priced $20 per night."
"The lake has receded quite a but that one of the docks is about 100 yards from the actual lake now (California drought). The campsite was well maintained."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Mighty Farms
"Situated close to a creek and perfect for stargazing, this property offers a way to get away from it all. We've heard the gardens are AMAZING!"
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability6. Tuttletown Recreation Area
"New Melones was not a top destination but it was close to a very special place for us, Natural Bridges."
"Cute small campsites, kind of close to your neighbor. Not a lot of bugs which is always a plus when your near water, we went mid October and the weather wasn’t too hot or too cold."
from $150 / night
Check Availability7. Pinecrest Campground
"The campsites are a very short walk from the lake. the sites are spacious, well spaced and shady. Amenities are quite good with flush toilets, showers, a general store and more."
"This is a nice campground on Pinecrest Lake near Sonora Pass in Stanislaus National Forest."
from $40 / night
Check Availability8. Glory Hole Recreation Area
"Showers and bathrooms aren't working but otherwise a great place to camp. been going to the nearby Tuttletown camp for showers and working bathrooms while they work on Gloryhole."
"The lake's water was too low for a swim though :( sad"
from $18 - $22 / night
Check Availability9. USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
"The only downside is that the park closes at 8:00 pm so we had to sleep behind the entrance until 4:00 am when they opened the door again. A Fire ring and a bench available at each spot."
"Sites were a good size and were tucked down a slight hill from the road which was great for privacy. Bathrooms were kept very clean and well stocked."
10. Angels Camp Campground and RV
"This is a very nice RV park with mature trees. Close to lots of cute towns and wineries."
"Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink. Small hiking trail that had some horse nearby that cam and said hi to us. Will definitely be coming back."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from Stockton, CA
- 1 hr 22 min from Modesto, CA
- 1 hr 35 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 35 min from Sacramento, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Avery, CA
361 Photos of 310 Avery Campgrounds
Ben G.
Mighty Farms
goose10091203
Top of Arnold - FR 5N56 Dispersed
Ingrid B.
North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Benjamin K.
Golden Pines RV Resort and Campground
Holly M.
Boards Crossing
Anthony Q.
Sand Bar Flat Campground
Carter B.
Waka Lu Hep Yo — Stanislaus National Forest
Jim M.
Angels Camp Campground and RV
Ryan D.
Glory Hole Recreation Area
Lori T.
USBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Jordan L.
Tuttletown Recreation Area
Julie D.
Tuttletown RA - Chamise - BOR
Recent Reviews near Avery, CA
1095 Reviews of 310 Avery Campgrounds
- T
Tom H.
ScoutMoccasin Point Campground
One of my favorites
Been here many times. I particularly like winters when few are around. The sites are spacious and clean. You will have to level. We have seen deer, turkeys, a good size flock of buzzards, osprey, bald eagles, a few big cats. Signs are posted about rattlesnakes.
- MMathew G.Guide
Clark Fork Campground
Clark’s fork for the weekend
Loved our stay all the campsites were very spacious can fit so much stuff in on campsite they’re huge. Loop a is vaulted bathrooms and loop b is flushing. Great spot to relax and hit up the river/creek!
- JJuan G.Scout
Mormon Emigrant Trail Dispersed Pull Off
Great little spot
Needed a place to camp after driving 12 hours from Washington . Wanted to stay as close to Yosemite . This place did the trick . No one was there . Quiet and serene . Lots of scorched trees . But all in all was great . There is also cell service ! 7-23-26
- LLynn
RangerScotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping
Great for Lake Tahoe visit
We stayed here 2 nights while visiting Tahoe. There were several spots to park and roads to explore. It was quiet and the surface was dirt. I found a pull through die that was easy.
Lee D.
LegendGrover Hot Springs State Park Campground
Basic campground nestled among the tall pines
General: 76-site campground in two sections. No utility hookups. Some sites are designated for tents only while others allow vans and small trailers or RVs. 27-foot max for RVs; 24-foot max for trailers.
Site Quality: Paved camper pad; not all are level. No designated tent pads. Site amenities include a wood picnic table, fire ring, bear box, and shelves for pots/pans and other supplies.
Bath/Shower: Basic but clean. There is a shelf above the sinks, but be careful when you are brushing your teeth or washing your face, as you can easily bump your head. Like most other California state parks, you need tokens to operate the shower (there is a token machine nearby), but I did not use the shower.
Activities/Amenities: Several hiking trails. We hiked to Hot Springs Creek Waterfall. Depending on where you start your hike, it is around 3-3.5 miles round-trip. It is easy to lose the trail as you get close to the waterfall, but it appeared there were several ways to get back to the trail. Hot springs/pool; summer schedule Wednesday– Monday with 1.5-hour sessions for $10 pp. Unfortunately, I read the pool would be closed when we planned to be here, so we didn’t arrive in time on a Monday to take advantage of it. There are two large utility sinks for laundry, but not for dishwashing.
This is a beautiful area despite damage from the most recent fire. We were there on a Monday the week before Memorial Day, and the campground was only about 10% occupied, but we were told it would be completely full the following week.
Fa B.GuideIron MT. Dispersed
Really cool history and perfect spot
Look up this site’s history, it’s quite fascinating.
While there’s a no trespassing sign, this is indeed a Forest Service-managed site and confirmed as a dispersed location.
I pulled in just as this older gentleman was walking the area, and he started telling me all about the owner back in the 60s-70s (“a mean guy”) and what a cool ski resort it once was.
Rob H.GuideUSBR Gloryhole Rec Area Big Oak Campground
Decent Campground
Very warm weekend (as to be expected in July) bathrooms and showers were satisfactory. It’s a public campsite with lots of families and most are there for the lake. Sites were large enough but No hookups for RV. We just stayed at night and spent the days with family in the area. Met our needs.
Corey J.
TravelerBig Meadow Campground
Gorgeous but rough
A few cons about this spot. There is NO drinking water. There are spigots but they all say non-potable. Most of the toilets were locked and the open ones were disgusting. There is no natural water to cool off in. The map looks like there is but there was none. There are so many mosquitoes that you have to hide in the tent during sunrise and sunset. Also, it’s right on the highway and the cars are loud! Finally, the road from Carson City going up Ebbets pass is a corkscrew of the death defying nail biting vomit inducing variety. With all of that in mind, it is the most beautiful spot I have ever visited.
Guide to Avery
Camping sites near Avery, California range in elevation from 3,000 to 5,000 feet, creating distinct temperature zones throughout the season. The Stanislaus River provides a focal point for many camping locations, with water temperatures averaging 50-60°F even during summer months. Most areas receive minimal rainfall between May and September, though afternoon thunderstorms occur occasionally at higher elevations.
What to do
Trail hiking: Near North Grove Campground, numerous paths accommodate different experience levels. "There is plenty to do and trails to hike in this area, easy enough for families with children and rugged trail options for the more experienced hikers," notes Jennifer R.
River swimming: Visit Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground for water activities along the Stanislaus. "This campsite is near the Stanisaus river! You can hear it at night and this place is a great spot to disconnect from society! Cell service is spotty to nothing, which is perfect!" reports Pat T.
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies provide excellent viewing conditions. "It was so dark that I was able to do some great astrophotography," shares Scott R. about Tuttletown Recreation Area. Most campsites outside town centers have minimal light pollution, particularly during new moon phases.
Boating: Reservoir access points allow for various water activities. At Acorn Campground, "we got in our kayaks for an awesome day paddle around the many coves of this reservoir. Since the lake level fluctuates there aren't many good beaches, but you can pull off to have a picnic lunch," explains Shari G.
What campers like
Sequoia experiences: The giant trees create memorable environments. At Calaveras Big Trees State Park, "The experience of seeing the redwoods will live in my heart forever. I drove across the country to see them, & I'd do it again in a second," shares Nicole D.
River sounds: Natural white noise enhances sleep quality. "You can hear it at night and this place is a great spot to disconnect for society," notes a visitor about Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo Campground, where the Stanislaus provides constant ambient sound.
Fishing opportunities: Trout populations thrive in local waters. "We used a size ten Tribble hook with about a foot leader and pinch weights with rainbow powerbait for those that want to catch fish for lunch," advises Ian G. at Pinecrest Campground.
Ranger programs: Educational offerings enhance visits. North Grove Campground features "an extensive ranger station with a Visitor Center, snack bar, and organized talks and activities," according to reviewer L, making it popular with first-time visitors.
What you should know
Access roads vary dramatically: Forest Service roads require appropriate vehicles in many cases. At Top of Arnold, "Super fun spot went in September. Dirt road to get to spot is pretty rough but my Taurus wagon did just fine," reports Damien M.
Insect populations fluctuate seasonally: Yellow jackets become problematic in late summer. "Beware the yellow jackets!" warns HL about North Grove Campground, particularly around picnic areas and water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Avery, CA?
What camping is available near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Avery, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 310 campgrounds and RV parks near Avery, CA and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Avery, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Avery, CA is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avery, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Avery, CA.
What parks are near Avery, CA?
What parks are near Avery, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Avery, CA that allow camping, notably New Melones Lake and Fall River Lake.
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